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3 Ways to Protect Yourself When Ordering Online

I don’t know about you, but I buy almost everything online these days. It’s a rare occasion for me to go out to the store or mall to buy something.

Based on my past experiences of ordering online (some good, some bad), here are 3 simple ways to help protect yourself when ordering online:

Check the cost of Shipping:
Before you spend your time finding products on a particular website, find out how much they charge for shipping. I don’t know how many times I have spent an hour or so researching and adding products to my cart only to find out the shipping charges are too high for my budget.
Check the Return Policy:
Be sure to read the return policy before making a purchase. The first thing I check is the number of return days and the procedure for returning the item(s).You will also want to check to see if they offer free shipping on returns and if they refund the shipping charge you paid to get the item.If they have a brick and mortar store, see what their policy is about making returns to the store. It is usually cheaper to drive to the store to return it rather than pay the price to send it back. Read more here: Why you should always check the return policy
Do a Google Search and/or Check with the BBB:
If you are not familiar with the company or merchant, you can always do a Google search to find out if they have a good reputation. You can also check the BBB website to see if there have been any complaints filed against them.

Happy Shopping!

Why you Should Always Check the Return Policy

For some reason I have stopped checking return policies, I mean, aren’t they all pretty much the same (each gives you a specified number of days to return the item if you are not satisfied) — or so I thought.

I order so much online and last week while I was placing an order on a popular website (a website that I have ordered from in the past) – I discovered something very disturbing about their return policy, so I wanted to share this experience will all of you.

So, I just started using a new skincare line through a discovery kit I purchased. Since I liked the items so much, I decided to buy the full sizes. While placing my order, I started to get a little concerned because of the amount of money I was going to spend on the new products — and what if I didn’t like them once I got the full sizes. So something told me that before spending the money, that I should check the return policy — just to see how I would return the items if I needed to. Now, as I said, I have ordered from this website in the past, all items I already used, so I never even thought to check the return policy.

After reading the return policy, I was absolutely shocked — this particular website only takes returns if the item has not been opened (or used). I thought that I must not be reading the policy correctly, so I called the company to inquire — and sure enough I read it right.

Needless to say, I did not place an order. I know that if I order anything from that website, I will only order items that I already use and have no intention of returning.

If I had ordered those products and didn’t like them, I would have been out over $200 — too big of a risk for me.

From now on, I will always check the return policy before I place an order (even if I have already ordered from them in the past).

Beauty Product Shelf Life

Ever wonder how long you should keep your beauty products?

I compiled a general guideline that lists how long you should keep various beauty and skincare products (for specific expiration dates and shelf life, it is best to contact the manufacturer).

Moisturizer: 3-12 months 
Moisturizers with natural ingredients, plant extracts, essential oils, and botanicals are best used within 3 months because they will lose their efficacy. Moisturizer can also be a breeding ground for bacteria, so make sure your hands are clean before reaching into the jar, or use a q-tip instead.
Quick tip: when you open a new product, write the date on the container with a waterproof marker – that will help you keep track of how long you have had it.

Foundation: 6-18 months
 Oil-free foundation tends to have the shortest shelf life because it will dry out quicker than other types, whereas moisturizing, cream, and compact foundation will last longer. Like moisturizer, foundation can be a breeding ground for bacteria, so make sure you don’t contaminate the jar/compact when using your foundation. Liquid foundation that is packaged with a pump dispenser is a great option.

Powder: 2-3 years
 Powder may actually last longer, but two years is the longest you should keep it. For pressed powder, you should frequently wash/change the sponge.

Concealer: 12-18 months 
You should replace your stick or compact concealers when you notice that they are starting to look dried out. Liquid concealers should be replaced when they start to separate.

Powder Blush & Eye Shadow: 2-3 years 
These products can probably last longer than two years, but over time, the product may change color or texture. If you have an eye infection, you may not want to use your favorite eye shadow for a few days/weeks until it has cleared up, because you can actually contaminate your eye shadow with the bacteria.

Cream Blush & Eye Shadow: 12-18 months
 Cream blush and eye shadow can dry out over time. Just like the powder eye shadow, you should not use your cream eye shadow if you have an eye infection.

Stick Eye Liner/Lip Liner: 2-3 years 
Because you frequently sharpen the product, you don’t have to worry as much about bacteria; however, if you get an eye infection or cold sore, you should replace the product.

Lip Stick: 2 years 
You should replace the product when you notice it is starting to look dried out, or if you get a cold sore.

Lip Gloss: 18 months 
Since it is a liquid, it will not last as long as lip stick. You should replace the product immediately if you get a cold sore.

Mascara: 3 months 
Since mascara is liquid, it is an ideal environment for bacteria. Your mascara can become contaminated if you keep the product longer than 3 months. Your mascara will last longer if you avoid pumping the wand in and out of the container (you are forcing air into the product and your mascara will dry out quicker). Also, avoid wiping the wand on the side of the container, wipe it on a clean tissue instead. If you get/have an eye infection, you should immediately replace the product

Nail Polish: 1 year 
Keeping nail polish in the refrigerator can actually make it last longer and keep if from clumping.

If you have any concerns that the products you might be using are expired, it is best to contact the manufacturer or the makeup counter where you purchased it.